Here in Nairobi, all is well. I took a taxi from the border of Rwanda and DRC to the airport I Kigali. I was blessed to have a taxi that was relatively new and in good working order. The trip took 3.5 hrs, and was uneventful. The road to Kigali is 50% new and they are working on the rest. So nice to drive on a surface other that lava rock.
I have spent the last 3 hours in the Nairobi Java House, having a sandwich with a decaf mocha while watching Animal Planet. Usually it's 'football' or CNN which reruns the news regularly. Got about 3.5 more hours here, and after a little walk, I will probably be back at the Java House watching more TV.
Looking forward to getting home!
Michael
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Michael's Goodbye
The las few days have been very tiring, but rewarding. We have made a lot of good contacts and have heard the hearts of many when it comes to the topic of men. There has been so much information that it feels like my mind is full and it needs some time to digest the information. We had a good team meeting last night, going over teh Kinshasa part fo the trip. We went meeting by meeeting and shared what we got out of each one. It took a few hours, but we made it. Rest of the team will have to do the same for the Goma part of the trip on Friday.
So, I am 45 minutes from leaving Goma. Patrick will carry the PW torch here until he leaves on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my wife, kids, dogs, and getting back to ,my church family. God had shown me things I need to do at church and I am anxious to get going on them. Thanks for your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray for the work started here in Goma. Pray for Patrick in his last few days and for his safe travels home.
Grace and Peace.
Michael.
So, I am 45 minutes from leaving Goma. Patrick will carry the PW torch here until he leaves on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my wife, kids, dogs, and getting back to ,my church family. God had shown me things I need to do at church and I am anxious to get going on them. Thanks for your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray for the work started here in Goma. Pray for Patrick in his last few days and for his safe travels home.
Grace and Peace.
Michael.
Jambo Tuesday...local time 5:40 pm
Hello family,
Well we had a 9:00 meeting today with one of the heads of the local Baptist church. These meetings have sort of fallen into a smooth and predictiable format. Uaslly one of us will cast the vision of The Sons of Congo and then we ask for input. The main goal right now is finding the right people here to work with us in moving forward. So this mornings meeting was brief as we were only interacting w/ one person and we all had appointments at 10:00. Our 10:00 appointment was at a millitary camp with the Chaplin and a team of people who minister with him. It was an incredible and encourging meeting...that is all I can say about that meeting for now.
Mike is almost packed...he is begining his 40 hour journy home tomorow morning.
That's right I'm gonna be here in the most dangerous place in the world...alone.
In Danger of eminent Volcano eruption, in danger from an exploding lake, in dander from toxic gas, in danger from acid rain, in danger from lava flow, in danger from corrupt police, in danger from rampant militias, in danger from the local military.in dander from Malaria, in danger from explosive diarrhea, in danger from my over active mind. I love it. Good thing I got Jesus.
Shout out to all my peeps at P-dub & The Genesis house.
Love and miss you all see you soon.
P.
Well we had a 9:00 meeting today with one of the heads of the local Baptist church. These meetings have sort of fallen into a smooth and predictiable format. Uaslly one of us will cast the vision of The Sons of Congo and then we ask for input. The main goal right now is finding the right people here to work with us in moving forward. So this mornings meeting was brief as we were only interacting w/ one person and we all had appointments at 10:00. Our 10:00 appointment was at a millitary camp with the Chaplin and a team of people who minister with him. It was an incredible and encourging meeting...that is all I can say about that meeting for now.
Mike is almost packed...he is begining his 40 hour journy home tomorow morning.
That's right I'm gonna be here in the most dangerous place in the world...alone.
In Danger of eminent Volcano eruption, in danger from an exploding lake, in dander from toxic gas, in danger from acid rain, in danger from lava flow, in danger from corrupt police, in danger from rampant militias, in danger from the local military.in dander from Malaria, in danger from explosive diarrhea, in danger from my over active mind. I love it. Good thing I got Jesus.
Shout out to all my peeps at P-dub & The Genesis house.
Love and miss you all see you soon.
P.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Kinshasa to Goma
Wednesday was to be our travel day, but we were sold tickets for a flight that did not exist. So, we spent the morning at L’Arche church meeting with Pastors on staff and interns. We were sharing the vision for Sons of Congo and looking for their input. We are looking for an in country lead and this was a group of potential candidates. We also spent more time with Pastor Nsembe, getting a tour of the church under construction, and video taping his testimony and vision for the church. He is a great man of God! When our time with him was finished, he took a really nice stature off his desk and gave it to me in thanks for my input at his church.
With new tickets for the Thursday flight, we had to rush to pack and check out bags in. Here you check in you bags for domestic flights the night before you leave. It does make is much easier going to the airport with only a backpack to worry about. The check in process was also chaotic, with people wanting to help carry things and generally wanting to get some money for doing next to nothing. We had a nice dinner with the Turner’s and it was time to say good-bye to Kinshasa.
Thursday was a day of travel. We had the 8am flight out of Kinshasa into Goma, which meant we had, be out of the house by 5:45am. Our plan was to catch the CAA bus to the airport, which we had some reservations about. Turn out fine, ok bus that was only half full. You would think that a domestic flight would be less of a process, but no. Various check points and processes that seemed excessive to me. It was a hassle to get to the gate for departure, but we made it unscathed. Seating again was first come, first serve, so we made sure we got on the plane quickly. Got the exit row again! Flight was a now event, it went up when it was supposed to, and came down when it was supposed to. In Goma, it was a hassled to get through immigration as Camille attempted to handle us as a group. That set a worker over the edge, yelling at Camille and myself. We got through, received out bags, and we were out of there.
Good to be back in the Ntoto home, peaceful and great weather. After lunch Patrick and I crashed hard for a couple hours, then off to the English Bible study. At church we quickly discovered there was no bible study due to a conference that was going on. We had diner plans at a friend’s house, so after some conversation we were off. We had dinner at the home of Omer and Odette, friends of the Ntoto’s. They have a very nice home and are excellent hosts.
Looking back it was a slow day, but it was good to catch my breath before the final stretch of my trip.
More to come.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
With new tickets for the Thursday flight, we had to rush to pack and check out bags in. Here you check in you bags for domestic flights the night before you leave. It does make is much easier going to the airport with only a backpack to worry about. The check in process was also chaotic, with people wanting to help carry things and generally wanting to get some money for doing next to nothing. We had a nice dinner with the Turner’s and it was time to say good-bye to Kinshasa.
Thursday was a day of travel. We had the 8am flight out of Kinshasa into Goma, which meant we had, be out of the house by 5:45am. Our plan was to catch the CAA bus to the airport, which we had some reservations about. Turn out fine, ok bus that was only half full. You would think that a domestic flight would be less of a process, but no. Various check points and processes that seemed excessive to me. It was a hassle to get to the gate for departure, but we made it unscathed. Seating again was first come, first serve, so we made sure we got on the plane quickly. Got the exit row again! Flight was a now event, it went up when it was supposed to, and came down when it was supposed to. In Goma, it was a hassled to get through immigration as Camille attempted to handle us as a group. That set a worker over the edge, yelling at Camille and myself. We got through, received out bags, and we were out of there.
Good to be back in the Ntoto home, peaceful and great weather. After lunch Patrick and I crashed hard for a couple hours, then off to the English Bible study. At church we quickly discovered there was no bible study due to a conference that was going on. We had diner plans at a friend’s house, so after some conversation we were off. We had dinner at the home of Omer and Odette, friends of the Ntoto’s. They have a very nice home and are excellent hosts.
Looking back it was a slow day, but it was good to catch my breath before the final stretch of my trip.
More to come.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Ditto
Today(Tuesday) was much Monday, meetings. We had a breakfast meeting at the house which went from 8:30 to 11, then another at 1pm.
The 1pm meeting was with Pastor Jacques Vernaud who has one of the biggest churches in Kinshasa and had plant numerous other churches in Kinshasa and all over the DRC. I was expecting a native Congolese, but he is Swiss and born in Gabon. He has spent his entire life (76 years) in Africa. It was an amazing conversation with a man that has so much experience. I could have sat there for days just soaking in all that he had to offer. It took notes in what he said and God was triggering my mind to more. On hour with this pastor went by very quickly.
We had a dinner meeting with multiple pastors at 6pm at a local hotel. With traffic and finalizing arrangements, we did not have much time. We had not eaten since breakfast, so we stopped at Subway for a sandwich. (sandwich yes, but at Mozart's Cafe) We arrived promptly at 6pm at the hotel so we started promptly at 7:30pm! Seriously, Congo time. Good meeting with lots of really sound input. Each man knows that transformation in men in absolutely necessary.
Creative juices are not flowing right now.
More later,
Michael.
The 1pm meeting was with Pastor Jacques Vernaud who has one of the biggest churches in Kinshasa and had plant numerous other churches in Kinshasa and all over the DRC. I was expecting a native Congolese, but he is Swiss and born in Gabon. He has spent his entire life (76 years) in Africa. It was an amazing conversation with a man that has so much experience. I could have sat there for days just soaking in all that he had to offer. It took notes in what he said and God was triggering my mind to more. On hour with this pastor went by very quickly.
We had a dinner meeting with multiple pastors at 6pm at a local hotel. With traffic and finalizing arrangements, we did not have much time. We had not eaten since breakfast, so we stopped at Subway for a sandwich. (sandwich yes, but at Mozart's Cafe) We arrived promptly at 6pm at the hotel so we started promptly at 7:30pm! Seriously, Congo time. Good meeting with lots of really sound input. Each man knows that transformation in men in absolutely necessary.
Creative juices are not flowing right now.
More later,
Michael.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Meetings
Today was a day of meetings. Our goal is to strategically connect with either people whose input we would like, or those who have connections we would like to have. Day started with a breakfast meeting at 8:30am and ended with a dinner meeting that ended at 8pm. We met with politicians, police and religious leaders, but I can't mention names here.
Patrick and I are well, tired, but doing okay. We both are missing home, we have been gone for over 2 weeks now.
Read more about our day at http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com .
Michael.
Patrick and I are well, tired, but doing okay. We both are missing home, we have been gone for over 2 weeks now.
Read more about our day at http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com .
Michael.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
In Kinshasa, Sunday is coming to an end. As I type this Patrick is sleeping in the bed next to mine and for those who need to know, he does not snore. Well, not when I have head phones on listening to music...
Early rise this morning, church at 8am and church about a 30 minute drive away. I was up even earlier finalizing my notes and thinking the message through. I was to preach today at ARCHE (Assemblies of God) church. This is the parent church of the church I spoke at last Sunday in Goma. We arrived a little after 8am and the music sounded good. At this point the church was about 60% full, but I knew that more would roll in. We where escorted to our seats up front and the music was fantastic. They had a worship choir and a good band, very very cool. The worship time was great with a mixture of dancing, singing and prayer. Camille introduced our team and Aimee and Kasareka shared a little bit of what we are about. Camille introduced me and it was go time and by this time the church was packed. God gave me a very cool message on justice and the churches roll in bringing the justice of God through the world. God was confirming the message before I spoke through comments the Assoc, Pastor said and the songs that where sung. As you can see from the picture, there was a lot of people, about 3,000+. The stage was up high with seating on three sides of me. Both sides a had balconies which where very full. It was a very cool experience and I am thankful for God using me, about 25 accepted Jesus for the first time!
We went home to change and I...fell asleep. No time to sleep, a knock on the door and it was time for lunch. After ,lunch we did had a little time to ret that got larger because our next appoint got pushed back a couple hours. We did end up meeting with a man who is a senator and the head of a large association f churches. We shared with him our vision for the Sons of Congo and he encouraged us to see it through. Don't how these meetings will affect what we are doing, but we will see in time.
Had a little pizza for dinner, not bad. trying to get this blog updated and I know i a leaving this out, but I guess i can tell you that stuff later.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com
GO LAKERS!
Early rise this morning, church at 8am and church about a 30 minute drive away. I was up even earlier finalizing my notes and thinking the message through. I was to preach today at ARCHE (Assemblies of God) church. This is the parent church of the church I spoke at last Sunday in Goma. We arrived a little after 8am and the music sounded good. At this point the church was about 60% full, but I knew that more would roll in. We where escorted to our seats up front and the music was fantastic. They had a worship choir and a good band, very very cool. The worship time was great with a mixture of dancing, singing and prayer. Camille introduced our team and Aimee and Kasareka shared a little bit of what we are about. Camille introduced me and it was go time and by this time the church was packed. God gave me a very cool message on justice and the churches roll in bringing the justice of God through the world. God was confirming the message before I spoke through comments the Assoc, Pastor said and the songs that where sung. As you can see from the picture, there was a lot of people, about 3,000+. The stage was up high with seating on three sides of me. Both sides a had balconies which where very full. It was a very cool experience and I am thankful for God using me, about 25 accepted Jesus for the first time!
We went home to change and I...fell asleep. No time to sleep, a knock on the door and it was time for lunch. After ,lunch we did had a little time to ret that got larger because our next appoint got pushed back a couple hours. We did end up meeting with a man who is a senator and the head of a large association f churches. We shared with him our vision for the Sons of Congo and he encouraged us to see it through. Don't how these meetings will affect what we are doing, but we will see in time.
Had a little pizza for dinner, not bad. trying to get this blog updated and I know i a leaving this out, but I guess i can tell you that stuff later.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com
GO LAKERS!
Emotions
Nice to sleep in air conditioning, we actually got a little cold.
There were no team plans for the day but Camille was going to his sister's college graduation, and I wanted to find the biological family of Davina (my daughter). The problem with finding the family is that I did not have a phone number and no idea where the house was. So I did what I do in Kinshasa when I need to find something, call Francis. Francis is a good friend I met in 2004 and has helped in every trip I have taken to Kinshasa. We went to the house of Major Mwabidi who help in the adoption process. We picked up his son who new the way, so with Camille driving we headed out. I do not know how people know where to go. There are so many side roads and the ones we took were an absolute mess from recent rains. Fortunately we where in a nice Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 that handled the roads easily. I drove a lot in Goma, but I have zero interest driving here! As we drove up the street I had a flash back to the last day Davina was in that house. We came to pick her up to get passport and visa pictures taken. She was running around with a lot of other kids and her mother quickly changed her cloths and put her in the truck. We took her into the city and a simple process took awhile. By the time we where finished, we needed to return the car we were borrowing, so since we were the legal parents, we called and kept her with us. She never went back to her house again. I quickly came back from my memory to see a girl standing in the doorway of the house looking at me as if she new me. It was Roland, the 23 year old sister of Davina. Five of the seven children where home, one was in Angola and the other was at school. I talked with all the kids and my emotions were running very high, I did not expect to feel this way. Joanna had printed some pictures for them and I handed them to Roland one at a time. She grabbed a picture and said "my baby" and kissed the picture. I lost it, tears could not be contained. She could tell that Davina was healthy and very happy, and she was cool with that. I was a able to get pictures and write down the kids names and ages. I told them as much as I could and they asked me a couple questions. Roland and Enoch (9) were the most interested. I met Enoch last year, a really sweet boy. I did not know what to think or feel when I left. I was glad that Patrick was there to experience this with me, he really loves Davina.
From there we went to Camille's sisters graduation. In a word I would describe the scene chaotic. People everywhere on the campus, one big party. We were not there long, then we head over to Camille's dads house for the party. The party would not really get going until much later, but we stayed awhile, had some food, then head back for a team meeting.
Meeting was really hard to focus, partly because I preaching the next day and had to finish and partly thinking about the Nsombi family. We were focusing on our schedule and who we needed to meet with.
Got to bed, finished preparing, then slept!
Sleep in good.
More to come... Grace & Peace.
Michael.
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com
There were no team plans for the day but Camille was going to his sister's college graduation, and I wanted to find the biological family of Davina (my daughter). The problem with finding the family is that I did not have a phone number and no idea where the house was. So I did what I do in Kinshasa when I need to find something, call Francis. Francis is a good friend I met in 2004 and has helped in every trip I have taken to Kinshasa. We went to the house of Major Mwabidi who help in the adoption process. We picked up his son who new the way, so with Camille driving we headed out. I do not know how people know where to go. There are so many side roads and the ones we took were an absolute mess from recent rains. Fortunately we where in a nice Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 that handled the roads easily. I drove a lot in Goma, but I have zero interest driving here! As we drove up the street I had a flash back to the last day Davina was in that house. We came to pick her up to get passport and visa pictures taken. She was running around with a lot of other kids and her mother quickly changed her cloths and put her in the truck. We took her into the city and a simple process took awhile. By the time we where finished, we needed to return the car we were borrowing, so since we were the legal parents, we called and kept her with us. She never went back to her house again. I quickly came back from my memory to see a girl standing in the doorway of the house looking at me as if she new me. It was Roland, the 23 year old sister of Davina. Five of the seven children where home, one was in Angola and the other was at school. I talked with all the kids and my emotions were running very high, I did not expect to feel this way. Joanna had printed some pictures for them and I handed them to Roland one at a time. She grabbed a picture and said "my baby" and kissed the picture. I lost it, tears could not be contained. She could tell that Davina was healthy and very happy, and she was cool with that. I was a able to get pictures and write down the kids names and ages. I told them as much as I could and they asked me a couple questions. Roland and Enoch (9) were the most interested. I met Enoch last year, a really sweet boy. I did not know what to think or feel when I left. I was glad that Patrick was there to experience this with me, he really loves Davina.
From there we went to Camille's sisters graduation. In a word I would describe the scene chaotic. People everywhere on the campus, one big party. We were not there long, then we head over to Camille's dads house for the party. The party would not really get going until much later, but we stayed awhile, had some food, then head back for a team meeting.
Meeting was really hard to focus, partly because I preaching the next day and had to finish and partly thinking about the Nsombi family. We were focusing on our schedule and who we needed to meet with.
Got to bed, finished preparing, then slept!
Sleep in good.
More to come... Grace & Peace.
Michael.
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com
Goma to Kinshasa
Future learning center
As you have already read, Patrick and I left the rest of the team to head to Kinshasa. In Kinshasa we will be meeting up with Camille, Aimee, and Kasareka to begin the initiative Sons of Congo. (more on that later). Esther stayed with us in the airport and handled getting as checked in. Last year we flew AireBora which had crashed a plane on take of the week before we flew. This time we flew CAA, which was a none event flight. Seating was first come first service so we positioned ourselves at the door and where the first ones on the plane. We enjoy the room of the exit row and did some reading and napping. Where met at the airport by Jean-Pierre who has been very faithful over the years getting us through the bureaucratic maze of the airport in Kinshasa.
We were taken to the Salvation Army headquarter(THQ) and met up with Rachel who is an American from LA doing development work at THQ. We went to dinner at an Indian restaurant building on the top floor (8th) of a building down town. The elevator was not working and looked very sketchy any way, so we walk. Weather in Kinshasa was about 15 degrees warmer than Goma with very high humidity. By the time we got to the restaurant, I was dripping went, ah Kinshasa. Dinner was excellent, I had never had Indian food and honestly I was kind of afraid. We had a good discussion on how to better do shirt term trips to Kinshasa doing sustainable projects. If e come and do work and it cant be maintained, then what's the point. Trips to Kinshasa in the future will take a lot more planning and probably an little less frequent. It is very important that we invest our time and money wisely into projects that are sustainable by the local church.
After dinner, Camille came and picked us up from THQ. We are staying with Wayne and Sylvia Turner who have been missionaries here for 36 years. The Assemblies of God (AOG) have a nice compound with a small apartment that we are sharing with Camille and Kasareka. The place is fully air conditioned and they installed a router for wireless Internet which is a bonus.
The link below will give you an idea of what we are doing now.
More later,
Michael.
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com
Leaving on a Jet Plane.....
We have officially begun our journey home. We were up very early this morning, 5:00am, so that we could be ready to leave the house by 6:30. We had to be at the border by 7 am. Esther got us to the border with time to spare and worked her magic to get us to the front of the line that was already formed. We had a bus waiting for us on the other side to drive us through Rwanda to the airport.
After we were all stamped out of the Congo, we had a very emotional good-bye with Esther. We hopped on our bus with Jonatel and began the journey to the airport. We arrived at the airport around 10:15. We had plenty of time to spare as our flight was not until 1:45. So we walked around and enjoyed the shops.
We have now arrived in Naorobi, where we have a 6 hour layover. We are enjoying time in the Java House....people watching, playing some Uno and next a game of Catch Phrase. We are all excited to be heading home to see our families.
Please continue to pray for traveling mercies as we continue towards home, as well as for Michael and Patrick with the Sons of Congo team, that are still in Kinshasa.
See you soon!
Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona
After we were all stamped out of the Congo, we had a very emotional good-bye with Esther. We hopped on our bus with Jonatel and began the journey to the airport. We arrived at the airport around 10:15. We had plenty of time to spare as our flight was not until 1:45. So we walked around and enjoyed the shops.
We have now arrived in Naorobi, where we have a 6 hour layover. We are enjoying time in the Java House....people watching, playing some Uno and next a game of Catch Phrase. We are all excited to be heading home to see our families.
Please continue to pray for traveling mercies as we continue towards home, as well as for Michael and Patrick with the Sons of Congo team, that are still in Kinshasa.
See you soon!
Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona
Saturday, May 2, 2009
And so We All Say Good Bye....
So we woke up to our last full day in Goma. We finally had a day to sleep in and didnt have to be ready to go anywhere unril 8:30, so it was a nice morning of sitting around enjoying the morning with Esther and Nicole. We had a very busy planned out day. We started with a visit to Healing Arts to purchase a few more things handcrafted by the ladies of Heal Africa, which in turn, gave us a chance to say goob-bye to some of the women one more time. We spent about a good 45 minutes there going through all the beautiful things and trying to make decisions. If it was my choice, and affordable, I would have walked out with everything they had on display.
After we finshed at Healing Arts we headed over to the hospital at Heal Africa. We then distributed two suitcases of medical supplies that they were overwhelmingly blessed to recieve. They were thankful because there is a huge need for most of the supplies that were given. After Heal Africa, we headed to another medical center in town. There we were able to distribute the last two suitcases of medical supplies. We had a chance at this hospital to visit with some more victims of sexual violence. A few of the women shared their stories with us and there were many tears shared among us all. We sweetened it up with them by giving them each a piece of fabric, some jolly ranchers and some prays. By the time we left you could feel the joy of the Lord a;; the way around and everyone was smiling and looking absolutley beautiful!
I got to expericence two first that I've never done before. One, I got to drive in Goma.....Esther hates to drive and asked if any of us had our license with us and being that I was the only one, I got put in the hot seat. The second thing, the driver's seat is on the right side of the car here. It was the weirdest thing in the world to drive on what we would consider the wrong side. After a little while it became a little easier. But I'll tell you, I would take sitting in traffic on a smooth freeway then trying to share a lova rock, pothole, huge dips and bumps road with a million motorcycles that dont like to share the road, any day!
So after we took care of business this morning we had a little time to go shopping before having to be at the Learning Center at 2. Nicole laughed as she watched us shop and called us "pros" at being able to negoiate prices. Not long after shopping we made it back to house for some time to pack and a quick feast....i mean lunch. We had our last lunch with Priscilla, who could not wait to see the work we had been doing at the center. She is one of the few that works with the children at the center, so our project is a blessing to both her and all the kids. We headed over to the center where we got a chance to see her reaction as well as the children. They were all so happy!! After the excitment we sat down as a team and shared to story of Noah and the Ark with all the kids. They all were active particpants in the discussion which made us all so happy! They are so happy to learn its amazing.
After the center, we took a drive over to the Lucy's house. We all stood there and said.... "Were not in Goma anymore". It was absolutly breathtaking! We walked around the property and enjoyed to views of the lake.
We are now back at the house, just enjoying each others company and spending our last evening with Esther and Nicole. We are almost all finished up packng but none of us our ready to leave. We all are leaving a piece of ourselves here in Goma, and taking a piece of Goma with each one of us. This has been an amazing journey. We came here hoping to bless the lives of many and are leaving with an adundance of blessings from all of them! We will never forget those we have come in contact with and those we have spent lots of time with. Everyone will be missed by us all! Thank you to all of our families and friends for all their support for this trip. None of it would have been possible without you all and the Lord! We are all soooooooo extremely grateful!!
See you all soon!! Many stories and pictures to share when we all get home. So for the last time from Goma, good night!!
Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona
(and Michael and Patrick from Kinshasa!)
After we finshed at Healing Arts we headed over to the hospital at Heal Africa. We then distributed two suitcases of medical supplies that they were overwhelmingly blessed to recieve. They were thankful because there is a huge need for most of the supplies that were given. After Heal Africa, we headed to another medical center in town. There we were able to distribute the last two suitcases of medical supplies. We had a chance at this hospital to visit with some more victims of sexual violence. A few of the women shared their stories with us and there were many tears shared among us all. We sweetened it up with them by giving them each a piece of fabric, some jolly ranchers and some prays. By the time we left you could feel the joy of the Lord a;; the way around and everyone was smiling and looking absolutley beautiful!
I got to expericence two first that I've never done before. One, I got to drive in Goma.....Esther hates to drive and asked if any of us had our license with us and being that I was the only one, I got put in the hot seat. The second thing, the driver's seat is on the right side of the car here. It was the weirdest thing in the world to drive on what we would consider the wrong side. After a little while it became a little easier. But I'll tell you, I would take sitting in traffic on a smooth freeway then trying to share a lova rock, pothole, huge dips and bumps road with a million motorcycles that dont like to share the road, any day!
So after we took care of business this morning we had a little time to go shopping before having to be at the Learning Center at 2. Nicole laughed as she watched us shop and called us "pros" at being able to negoiate prices. Not long after shopping we made it back to house for some time to pack and a quick feast....i mean lunch. We had our last lunch with Priscilla, who could not wait to see the work we had been doing at the center. She is one of the few that works with the children at the center, so our project is a blessing to both her and all the kids. We headed over to the center where we got a chance to see her reaction as well as the children. They were all so happy!! After the excitment we sat down as a team and shared to story of Noah and the Ark with all the kids. They all were active particpants in the discussion which made us all so happy! They are so happy to learn its amazing.
After the center, we took a drive over to the Lucy's house. We all stood there and said.... "Were not in Goma anymore". It was absolutly breathtaking! We walked around the property and enjoyed to views of the lake.
We are now back at the house, just enjoying each others company and spending our last evening with Esther and Nicole. We are almost all finished up packng but none of us our ready to leave. We all are leaving a piece of ourselves here in Goma, and taking a piece of Goma with each one of us. This has been an amazing journey. We came here hoping to bless the lives of many and are leaving with an adundance of blessings from all of them! We will never forget those we have come in contact with and those we have spent lots of time with. Everyone will be missed by us all! Thank you to all of our families and friends for all their support for this trip. None of it would have been possible without you all and the Lord! We are all soooooooo extremely grateful!!
See you all soon!! Many stories and pictures to share when we all get home. So for the last time from Goma, good night!!
Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona
(and Michael and Patrick from Kinshasa!)
Friday, May 1, 2009
And we lose some of the team...
Wow, was it tough getting up this morning. We had to be up as usual at 5 for prayer at 6. We are all feeling the soreness of our bodies from moving the tons and tons of rocks....literally tons! I think we estimated that we have movd anywhere between 2 and 3 tons of rocks....with our hands and no equipment. Its been really hard work but we are so happy with how its come out. We have all made a great team in working and building this project together!
Today was a mellow day. In Goma, today is a holiday. Its thier form of Labor Day. No one works! So it made being able to do stuff a little trciky as everything was closed. We knew we were sending off two of our team members to Kinshasa this afternoon. So we spent the morning with Michael and Patrick playing Catch Phrase and as a bonus for them leaving the girls let the guys win....hahahaha! We took the adventerous drive to take the guys to airport and got a chance to see the workers who were celebrating the holiday marching done the "road" in a parade. I say "road" because the streets here are not a street like you are thinking. In 2002 there was a volcanic eruption that took out most of Goma. So what remains is mounds and mounds of lova rock. The roads here are mostly all lova rock...which of course leads to an extremely bumpy drive no matter where you go in town. So at the airport we parted with two of our team members wishing them good luck and lots of prayers as they continue their work here with Sons of Congo.
The drive back to the house was very quiet. I think we were all a little sad to see some of the team leave but even more so realizing our trip is slowly coming near its end. Back at the house we had some lunch with some special guests. Priscilla joined us along with three boys she has taken under her care here in Goma. We ended lunch with giving the boys a soccer ball that they kicked around for hours in the front yard. It put smiles back on all of our faces.
Tonight was our last bible study with the women at Heal Africa. It was very powerful as Jen shared about what it means to be a Christian and how you can turn your life over to the Lord and the results you get from that. The women loved what she had to share and responded very well. After bible study the women got a chance to share whatever was on their hearts with us. Many of them shared about how blessed they have been by our presence here, others about how they will miss us when we go. There was many tears and lots of hugs to go around. We ended our visit by giving each of the women at the study a peice of fabric that they could use for sewing, clothing, etc. This brought many of them to tears as they were overwhelmed by recieving the gift!
After bible study we got a text message from Michael and Patrick saying they arrived in Kinshasa safe and sound so that made us all feel good. We headed back to the house were we shared a dinner prepared by Nona. We sat around the table for a few hours after dinner sharing many laughs, tears, more laughs, more tears from laughing so hard and many stories of our lives. It was a great time of reflection on where the Lord has brought us all in our lives. God is so AWESOME!!
Were now getting ready to plan out our last day in Goma for tomorrow....lots of things to do! Looking forward to it all. So until then..... we miss you and love you all very much! See you soon!!
Jess
Today was a mellow day. In Goma, today is a holiday. Its thier form of Labor Day. No one works! So it made being able to do stuff a little trciky as everything was closed. We knew we were sending off two of our team members to Kinshasa this afternoon. So we spent the morning with Michael and Patrick playing Catch Phrase and as a bonus for them leaving the girls let the guys win....hahahaha! We took the adventerous drive to take the guys to airport and got a chance to see the workers who were celebrating the holiday marching done the "road" in a parade. I say "road" because the streets here are not a street like you are thinking. In 2002 there was a volcanic eruption that took out most of Goma. So what remains is mounds and mounds of lova rock. The roads here are mostly all lova rock...which of course leads to an extremely bumpy drive no matter where you go in town. So at the airport we parted with two of our team members wishing them good luck and lots of prayers as they continue their work here with Sons of Congo.
The drive back to the house was very quiet. I think we were all a little sad to see some of the team leave but even more so realizing our trip is slowly coming near its end. Back at the house we had some lunch with some special guests. Priscilla joined us along with three boys she has taken under her care here in Goma. We ended lunch with giving the boys a soccer ball that they kicked around for hours in the front yard. It put smiles back on all of our faces.
Tonight was our last bible study with the women at Heal Africa. It was very powerful as Jen shared about what it means to be a Christian and how you can turn your life over to the Lord and the results you get from that. The women loved what she had to share and responded very well. After bible study the women got a chance to share whatever was on their hearts with us. Many of them shared about how blessed they have been by our presence here, others about how they will miss us when we go. There was many tears and lots of hugs to go around. We ended our visit by giving each of the women at the study a peice of fabric that they could use for sewing, clothing, etc. This brought many of them to tears as they were overwhelmed by recieving the gift!
After bible study we got a text message from Michael and Patrick saying they arrived in Kinshasa safe and sound so that made us all feel good. We headed back to the house were we shared a dinner prepared by Nona. We sat around the table for a few hours after dinner sharing many laughs, tears, more laughs, more tears from laughing so hard and many stories of our lives. It was a great time of reflection on where the Lord has brought us all in our lives. God is so AWESOME!!
Were now getting ready to plan out our last day in Goma for tomorrow....lots of things to do! Looking forward to it all. So until then..... we miss you and love you all very much! See you soon!!
Jess
A rain filled day....
As every morning this week....we started off early and headed to prayer. After that we came back to the house and made the plans for the day.
We headed back the center to move some more rocks. But not before Michael and Terry got in some push ups. When we walked in to the gate we could see how much progress we have made. Our team has really helped this project come along quickly. The walls of the foundation are done, and we have filled in the center. We only need a layer of small rock to cover, then cap it with concrete. We really worked hard today and the team feels a real sense of accomplishment.
We headed back to the house around two or so. A quick shower and lunch and we all feel better. It started raining this afternoon, pretty hard. It rained for an hour or so. Some of the team took a short nap. Moving rocks is hard, dirty, tiring work and we all felt it. Michael led bible study tonight, he spoke on obedience to God. He used the book of Daniel chapters 1 through 3.It went very well. It seemed as though everybody could relate and apply it to their lives.
After bible study the team and Esther went out for dinner. It was our last dinner together. We ate at a hotel restaurant on Lake Kivu. Dinner was good. When we got to the house we spent some time watching a movie, then to bed. We had to be up early for bible study on friday.
Hi Barton family I love you and will see you soon.
We headed back the center to move some more rocks. But not before Michael and Terry got in some push ups. When we walked in to the gate we could see how much progress we have made. Our team has really helped this project come along quickly. The walls of the foundation are done, and we have filled in the center. We only need a layer of small rock to cover, then cap it with concrete. We really worked hard today and the team feels a real sense of accomplishment.
We headed back to the house around two or so. A quick shower and lunch and we all feel better. It started raining this afternoon, pretty hard. It rained for an hour or so. Some of the team took a short nap. Moving rocks is hard, dirty, tiring work and we all felt it. Michael led bible study tonight, he spoke on obedience to God. He used the book of Daniel chapters 1 through 3.It went very well. It seemed as though everybody could relate and apply it to their lives.
After bible study the team and Esther went out for dinner. It was our last dinner together. We ate at a hotel restaurant on Lake Kivu. Dinner was good. When we got to the house we spent some time watching a movie, then to bed. We had to be up early for bible study on friday.
Hi Barton family I love you and will see you soon.
Just a simple Wednesday in Goma
Today we started the morning bright and early at 5:00 am to be ready for our prayer meeting at 6. I have to tell you…..there is not a better way to start off the day then praising the Lord through prayer and worship. Where two or more are gathered He is there and trust me ….we can feel him every morning!
After prayer we came back to the house for breakfast and to make the game plan for the day. We headed over to the center to make some more progress on our project. The shelter is going to be so awesome when its done. The kids are going to be able to focus more on their learning being under a shelter rather then sitting on the hot rocks in the very hot sun! We moved well over our share of rocks. We formed a line and just passed the rocks along to set our foundation. It was a very tiring job and a few of us got some bumps and bruises but continued to press on and work through! We had some great team bonding not only with us but with some of our new friends!
After our work was finished we came back to the house took showers and headed to an Art Exhibit at one of the UN buildings. The paintings were beautiful as well as the carvings. We all walked away with a little something.
From there we headed to the women’s bible study at Heal Africa. It was my (Jess) night to share with the ladies. I shared a powerful testimony and shared about the changes in my life the Lord has done. It was amazing. After I shared the women got a chance to share back. None of us were able to hold back tears. Those women are absolutely amazing. We talked with one woman who shared with us her fears of leaving Heal Africa because of the family rejection that comes with the result of the sexual violence done to her.
When we finished there, we headed to Shoppers to get stuff for dinner. It was our night to cook so we decided we were going Mexican! We made tacos, rice, beans and fresh chips with the deep fryer. It was a crack up for all of us. We busted out an awesome meal that was loved by all.
The night is ending with a couple rounds of Catch Phrase…..girls against guys…..(the guys are going down) and movie night!
Keep checking back to see what we are all up to! Until then we all miss you!
Jess
After prayer we came back to the house for breakfast and to make the game plan for the day. We headed over to the center to make some more progress on our project. The shelter is going to be so awesome when its done. The kids are going to be able to focus more on their learning being under a shelter rather then sitting on the hot rocks in the very hot sun! We moved well over our share of rocks. We formed a line and just passed the rocks along to set our foundation. It was a very tiring job and a few of us got some bumps and bruises but continued to press on and work through! We had some great team bonding not only with us but with some of our new friends!
After our work was finished we came back to the house took showers and headed to an Art Exhibit at one of the UN buildings. The paintings were beautiful as well as the carvings. We all walked away with a little something.
From there we headed to the women’s bible study at Heal Africa. It was my (Jess) night to share with the ladies. I shared a powerful testimony and shared about the changes in my life the Lord has done. It was amazing. After I shared the women got a chance to share back. None of us were able to hold back tears. Those women are absolutely amazing. We talked with one woman who shared with us her fears of leaving Heal Africa because of the family rejection that comes with the result of the sexual violence done to her.
When we finished there, we headed to Shoppers to get stuff for dinner. It was our night to cook so we decided we were going Mexican! We made tacos, rice, beans and fresh chips with the deep fryer. It was a crack up for all of us. We busted out an awesome meal that was loved by all.
The night is ending with a couple rounds of Catch Phrase…..girls against guys…..(the guys are going down) and movie night!
Keep checking back to see what we are all up to! Until then we all miss you!
Jess
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
back to prison
Hello all from Patrick.
Tuesday.
Well we got up at 5 and and went to church for prayer from 6 to 7, we will be doing this everyday this week. Thats right 6 am PRAYER MEETING and around 200 people show up...amazing. It is an inspiring thing to see all these people giving God their first fruits. There is some intercessory corprate prayer & a whole lot of free form pouring out of hearts...moving.
About 7:30 am Cam, Mike, Terry & I arrived at Goma Central Prison. I spoke here last year and remember it well. This year I spoke to them about how no disipline is enjoyable while it is happening but that afterwards is a peacefull harvest of right living. I also encouraged them to mark out a straight path for their lives and offered them biblical tools they can use to help make that happen. In closing I offered an oppertunity to give their lives to the Lord & for back slides to re commit...over 50 hands went up and they prayed the sinners prayer w/ us. PARTY IN HEAVEN.
Then we went to C&E's Learning Center and worked on the foundation for the class room our church is sponsoring...our estimation is that we haved moved over 4000 pounds of rock so far, by hand. It has been tough work and slow going (a given in Congo) but the project is coming along and I belive we will finish it with in a week.
SHOUT OUT TO THE GUYS, AND SHOTGUN AT THE GENESIS HOUSE. KEEP ENCOURAGING & SHARPENING EACH OTHER. SEE YOU SOON BROTHERS.
Miss you all.
Peace,
Patrick
Tuesday.
Well we got up at 5 and and went to church for prayer from 6 to 7, we will be doing this everyday this week. Thats right 6 am PRAYER MEETING and around 200 people show up...amazing. It is an inspiring thing to see all these people giving God their first fruits. There is some intercessory corprate prayer & a whole lot of free form pouring out of hearts...moving.
About 7:30 am Cam, Mike, Terry & I arrived at Goma Central Prison. I spoke here last year and remember it well. This year I spoke to them about how no disipline is enjoyable while it is happening but that afterwards is a peacefull harvest of right living. I also encouraged them to mark out a straight path for their lives and offered them biblical tools they can use to help make that happen. In closing I offered an oppertunity to give their lives to the Lord & for back slides to re commit...over 50 hands went up and they prayed the sinners prayer w/ us. PARTY IN HEAVEN.
Then we went to C&E's Learning Center and worked on the foundation for the class room our church is sponsoring...our estimation is that we haved moved over 4000 pounds of rock so far, by hand. It has been tough work and slow going (a given in Congo) but the project is coming along and I belive we will finish it with in a week.
SHOUT OUT TO THE GUYS, AND SHOTGUN AT THE GENESIS HOUSE. KEEP ENCOURAGING & SHARPENING EACH OTHER. SEE YOU SOON BROTHERS.
Miss you all.
Peace,
Patrick
Lots of Rocks
Monday (27th)
Before Camille came to the US there where some problems starting to rise in the church. We decided that the best thing to do was to come together and pray in the morning. Things started to change in the church, now once a month they dedicate a week to prayer. They met at church from 6 to 7am to get the day started off right. These prayers are not quiet prayer meetings like I am used to. These are prayer meetings where people are kneeling, standing, sitting and walking praying out loud. It’s so cool! So we went, up at 5 something and at the church by 6am. It was a great time of focus and just letting it all out in prayer
The big project we are doing is building part of the learning center for the Ntoto’s. The property is the Ntoto’s and they use it now for the meeting place for Hope for the Helpless. The problem is that the children are exposed to the weather and can make it very uncomfortable for teaching. We are constructing a structure with a concrete foundation and a good roof. If they want to enclose it, that can be done at a later date. There is a good chance that this will be finished before I come home. So we start moving rocks, lots of rocks. The property is volcanic rock that they have paid someone to break up. The rock is used to level the ground and for the foundation of the shelter. Did I say we moved a lot of rocks? Fortunately we had gloves otherwise ours hands would have been chewed up. Cloud cover was nice, shielding us from the son, but well all got a little sun burned.
Back at the house a few of the team had a chance to experience the our door market with Esther. Building food there is a crazy experience with lots of negotiating. Seeing people who look like they have money walk up, increases the price. Esther is wise to that trick and forces them to market rate.
At 5pm we went to Heal Africa for a meeting with the victims of Sexual violence, where Nona was the speaker. She did a great job and the women responded well
Late into the evening was spent playing Catch Phrase and having movie night.
We have a good team and I am very proud of all of them. All are willing to speak or pray whenever called on.
More to come…
Michael.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
We have Internet
I am glad the Internet back, it has been down since Saturday night. I will do my best to get you caught up to today (Tuesday).
Sunday morning we had two Churches to go to . First was Heal Africa and then to ARCHE. At Heal Africa I spoke and Jenn, Terry, Nona and Jessica went and help with the kids. By the pictures they had a lot of them to deal with. I spoke on the Lord's Prayer as the foundation of our communication with God.
ARCHE is a church plant from Kinshasa and is becoming a large church on its own. They have just built a new building and it is already full. Patrick and I were with Camille and go to the church before the rest. The senior Pastor was out visiting a church they just planted so Camille was acting Pastor for the weekend. The music worship time was great, but difficult to sing along when all the songs are in French. They did sing "His Love Endured Forever", so I sang along in English. During the worship time, the rest of the team arrive with Esther and Jessica came in holding two year old Flory. Flory has been adopted by friends of Camille & Esther and are waiting for the immigration documents to be approved. When I got up to speak, I was about six feet higher than the congregation. They built the stage up high so everyone would be able to see the pastor. I spoke on Living for God and what it looks like to be different from the rest of the world. Camille was teasing me earlier that I do not speak very long, so I asked God to give me a long message. About an hour after getting up to preach I sat down! The team is wondering if I will be that long when I get home...time will tell. Camille led the prayer time after the message and many raised their hands to accept Jesus for the first time. They also were many that raised then hand to recommit their lives to Jesus.
A BBQ was plan for the afternoon and when we came home the food was already in process of being prepared. Camille had invited some Americans that are living here and some other friends of theirs from other NGO's. The food was fantastic as we sat outside over looking the lake. The rain rolled in during our meal so we huddled under umbrellas and kept eating. The rain did not last long and soon the sun was back out. Flory hung out with us all afternoon. Esther thought it would be a good idea for him to hear English and start getting used to it.
We had a chance to call into church at the beginning of the Sunday morning service. I was great to hear the rest of the church and to give each one of is a chance to say hello to our larger family. After getting off the call, we where all a little sad but yet rejuvenated for our time hear.
Patrick brought the game Catch Phrase and be played guys against the girls. The guys won 2 games to 1. I said 2 out of 3, but Patrick thought I would have changed it if the girls won the first 2. Would I do that? After the 'friendly' game, we enacted team movie night. We sat in one of our rooms and watched a movie on my computer. A bigger screen would have been nice, but I am not complaining. Patrick was very nice to share his stash of cashews and beef jerky.
Sunday was a good day.
We have pray meeting at 6am, I need to get some sleep. Check the blog before you goto bed, I will try to update again in the morning.
Michael.
Pictures...Finally
Sorry for the silence, but we have been without internet for a couple days.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Nona at the mouth of the 2002 lava flow.
Michael can't take seeing a kid with a snotty nose.
Terry the jungle gym.
Jessica and her buddy.
Jenn and Roger (rabbit).
Patrick...does this need to be explained?
Nona at the mouth of the 2002 lava flow.
Michael can't take seeing a kid with a snotty nose.
Terry the jungle gym.
Jessica and her buddy.
Jenn and Roger (rabbit).
Patrick...does this need to be explained?Saturday, April 25, 2009
Another Day in Paradise
Jenn and Terry's turn to speak at Heal Africa. Todays service was an English service, but there still was translation into French. Unlike yesterday's service, todays was much smaller and was only scheduled for 30 minutes. Terry and Jenn spoke back-to-back and shared a linking message that was not planned by them. Terry says that he does not have much to say, but for someone that doesn't have much to say, he says a lot. After the service a 9 year old girl came to me a shared a cool blessing. She spoke at a very mature level, with a true knowledge of Jesus Christ.
We spent the rest of the morning doing various things: some relaxed, some ran around with Esther at the market, some where preparing for Sunday speaking, and some did a combination.
Early afternoon we headed over to the Hope for the Helpless to interact with the children. (more about H for H go to www.hopeforthehelpless.org. Presilla, works for an american NGO and volunteers with H for H, was teaching the children. The kids where there from 2-5pm to have Bible study, teaching and tutoring. I told the story of Daniel and interacted with the children to make sure they understood the story. A few had heard the story before and they all grasped the main point. We then had a time of open questions so we talked about things we liked, where were from, etc. We even pulled out a world map and one student was quick to point out California and knew that the Terminator was our governor. The questions went on for a while back and forth, then it was time to move into more learning. The kids where then divided into two groups with one advanced group. Presilla is teaching about Martin Luther King Jr. by having them memorize his 'I Have a Dream Speech' in English. I heard a couple child's share how much they had competed and was very impressed.
We spent the rest of the evening getting ready for Sunday and having some down time. Tomorrow we have church at Heal Africa, Michael preaching, then to A.R.C.H.E. church, Michael preaching. In the after we are having a bbq with various NGO's so we have a chance to talk to others that are doing work in this area. Should be interesting.
Briefly spoke to Nate and Joanna today, really good to hear their voices.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
We spent the rest of the morning doing various things: some relaxed, some ran around with Esther at the market, some where preparing for Sunday speaking, and some did a combination.
Early afternoon we headed over to the Hope for the Helpless to interact with the children. (more about H for H go to www.hopeforthehelpless.org. Presilla, works for an american NGO and volunteers with H for H, was teaching the children. The kids where there from 2-5pm to have Bible study, teaching and tutoring. I told the story of Daniel and interacted with the children to make sure they understood the story. A few had heard the story before and they all grasped the main point. We then had a time of open questions so we talked about things we liked, where were from, etc. We even pulled out a world map and one student was quick to point out California and knew that the Terminator was our governor. The questions went on for a while back and forth, then it was time to move into more learning. The kids where then divided into two groups with one advanced group. Presilla is teaching about Martin Luther King Jr. by having them memorize his 'I Have a Dream Speech' in English. I heard a couple child's share how much they had competed and was very impressed.
We spent the rest of the evening getting ready for Sunday and having some down time. Tomorrow we have church at Heal Africa, Michael preaching, then to A.R.C.H.E. church, Michael preaching. In the after we are having a bbq with various NGO's so we have a chance to talk to others that are doing work in this area. Should be interesting.
Briefly spoke to Nate and Joanna today, really good to hear their voices.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
Friday, April 24, 2009
Friday in Goma
Early rise this morning, we had to be at Heal Africa for their morning devotions at 7:30. It was a nice 10 minute walk to Heal Africa, and we got a lot of looks as we went along the road. I don't now why, just 6 white people dressed the same walking up the street. Morning devotions was for all the employees and volunteers and was mandatory. Jessica spoke and shared in James 1 about joy in trials and perseverance that God will deliver. She did an excellent job and I am very proud of her for getting up before 200 people to share. It is always good to be the mix of the people and getting to interact with them as much as possible.
We spent some time at Beroya school that I had visited last fall and where PraiseWorks sponsors 5 children. Jessica lead the way as she, with translation help from Camille, taught some English to the children. She started with a song, Jesus Love Me, then moved to basic greetings. The kids did an excellent job and had a lot of fun with it. We also taught the children what a high five was and had them all high fiving each other when we left. I remembered some of the kids and most remembered me.
Camille took us on a very informational excursion to the Goma volcano observatory. There are 8 volcano's around Goma and 2 are very active. The last lava flow was in 2002 and it did a tremendous amount of damage. Turns out that without military conflict, Goma is still the most dangerous place to live. Volcano's, earthquakes, acid rain and the potential of the lake exploding make it very dangerous. We were taken to a the mouth where the lave flowed. I thought that lava came out of the top of the volcano, but it actually can travel under ground and come up miles away. There were three main mouths where the lave came out and it was quite a interesting place.
On the way back to the house, we stopped at Heal Africa for the women's meeting. This is all the women who are in recovery from sexual violence, a truly remarkable group. I introduced the group and Jenn, Nona and Jessica all shared and prayed with the women. I was taken back by a 9 year old girl who spoke life into all of us. She spoke with a depth, that would but most Christian adults to shame.
Now we are about to eat dinner, so I must go.
Pictures to come...
Michael
We spent some time at Beroya school that I had visited last fall and where PraiseWorks sponsors 5 children. Jessica lead the way as she, with translation help from Camille, taught some English to the children. She started with a song, Jesus Love Me, then moved to basic greetings. The kids did an excellent job and had a lot of fun with it. We also taught the children what a high five was and had them all high fiving each other when we left. I remembered some of the kids and most remembered me.
Camille took us on a very informational excursion to the Goma volcano observatory. There are 8 volcano's around Goma and 2 are very active. The last lava flow was in 2002 and it did a tremendous amount of damage. Turns out that without military conflict, Goma is still the most dangerous place to live. Volcano's, earthquakes, acid rain and the potential of the lake exploding make it very dangerous. We were taken to a the mouth where the lave flowed. I thought that lava came out of the top of the volcano, but it actually can travel under ground and come up miles away. There were three main mouths where the lave came out and it was quite a interesting place.
On the way back to the house, we stopped at Heal Africa for the women's meeting. This is all the women who are in recovery from sexual violence, a truly remarkable group. I introduced the group and Jenn, Nona and Jessica all shared and prayed with the women. I was taken back by a 9 year old girl who spoke life into all of us. She spoke with a depth, that would but most Christian adults to shame.
Now we are about to eat dinner, so I must go.
Pictures to come...
Michael
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Goma Day 2
Hello all. This is Jessica. So we have had yet another exciting day here in Goma. If I could describe to you the feeling we all get when we get the chance to interact with either the woman from Heal Africa or the children from the orphanges its just simply amazing. To see how happy these woman and children are to see us and have vistors here, for them, its the biggest blessing in the world. They all survive with mostly nothing at all but with just a "Jambo", which is "hello" in Swhali, it has made their day complete!
The morning started off very beautiful here on this side on the world! Michael, Patrick and Terry started their morning off with Camille and his men's group for a bible study on the lawn. While Jen, Nona and myself all prepared for the day ahead and had some funny girl bonding time!
Today we had the oppurtunity to be all over the place. We attended a State of Affiars conference on the subject of "Stopping the Sexual Violence Against the Women and Children in Congo". Very powerful stuff. We got to hear insight from the UN and how they are making their attmepts to help as well as Camille with The Light of Africa network and Heal Africa. Please continue to keep all the victims in your prayers. This is a horrible situation!
After the confrence we went to Bethsaida, which is one of the many orphanges here. We got to meet many, many children, who were beyond excited to see us when we arrived! We got our own front row performance from the children praticing in the choir and they were amazing and sung and danced like crazy. At one point they even pulled all of us to dance with them. It is very entertaining for them to see a "munseki", which meants white person, dance. They had Jen in the middle of the floor dancing like crazy.....very funny! We left the orphange....but of course not without passing ot soccor balls! Which of course the kids went crazy over. We drove off watching them kick the balls around.
The day wound down with a bible study at the church. We had what was called a "Cultural Exchange". Its amazing to see how many different points of view but yet all having the same concept of God, each one of them shared with there questions. It was a bible study done in English so that everyone could have a chance to practice the language..... NO TRANSLATING was allowed! hahahaha. They were asking us many questions about life in America and continuously expressing how happy they were that we were here to see them!
We ended the night with a dinner around the table with Camille and Esther. Its amazing that no matter how far from home and our own families we are, we have a family here. We have all bonded and have been so beyond blessed with this trip, its a great feeling. We discussed and made plans to begin some of the much needed work that needs to be done here. We are all looking forward to tomorrow. We are headed to Heal Africa, where I am leading bible study. Im very excited for what God has in store.
Keep us all in your prayers. We miss all of you.
Love
Jess
The morning started off very beautiful here on this side on the world! Michael, Patrick and Terry started their morning off with Camille and his men's group for a bible study on the lawn. While Jen, Nona and myself all prepared for the day ahead and had some funny girl bonding time!
Today we had the oppurtunity to be all over the place. We attended a State of Affiars conference on the subject of "Stopping the Sexual Violence Against the Women and Children in Congo". Very powerful stuff. We got to hear insight from the UN and how they are making their attmepts to help as well as Camille with The Light of Africa network and Heal Africa. Please continue to keep all the victims in your prayers. This is a horrible situation!
After the confrence we went to Bethsaida, which is one of the many orphanges here. We got to meet many, many children, who were beyond excited to see us when we arrived! We got our own front row performance from the children praticing in the choir and they were amazing and sung and danced like crazy. At one point they even pulled all of us to dance with them. It is very entertaining for them to see a "munseki", which meants white person, dance. They had Jen in the middle of the floor dancing like crazy.....very funny! We left the orphange....but of course not without passing ot soccor balls! Which of course the kids went crazy over. We drove off watching them kick the balls around.
The day wound down with a bible study at the church. We had what was called a "Cultural Exchange". Its amazing to see how many different points of view but yet all having the same concept of God, each one of them shared with there questions. It was a bible study done in English so that everyone could have a chance to practice the language..... NO TRANSLATING was allowed! hahahaha. They were asking us many questions about life in America and continuously expressing how happy they were that we were here to see them!
We ended the night with a dinner around the table with Camille and Esther. Its amazing that no matter how far from home and our own families we are, we have a family here. We have all bonded and have been so beyond blessed with this trip, its a great feeling. We discussed and made plans to begin some of the much needed work that needs to be done here. We are all looking forward to tomorrow. We are headed to Heal Africa, where I am leading bible study. Im very excited for what God has in store.
Keep us all in your prayers. We miss all of you.
Love
Jess
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
First Day In Goma-from Jennifer
Hello!!
This is Jennifer typing this time. We are experiencing God's favor here in Goma. When google searching Goma nobody ever shares the fact that is so beautiful here, pictures just do not do it justice. It does not seem right that a very short distance from here such human autrocities occur. Today we visited Heal Africa an organization that is trying to combat sexual violence. Heal Africa takes in survivors of sexual violence, they make medical care possible for them in order to restore their physical bodies, they house the women, teach them a trade so they can provide for themselves and their families. They also feed their spirits by witnessing to the women in order to instill in them that they are not worthless, violence should not be accepted and they matter and are loved by God. What moved me to almost to tears is you would think that these places we went would be a place of sadness or depression but it is just the opposite, these women sang to us when we arrived. We danced rejoiced and I was asked to pray for the women. I was honored to be in the presence of these strong women. Only God could work like this, there is no other explanation. To have joy in the midst of hurting, to be open when you have been violated in the worst way possible, to continue to praise God knowing that all this around you is only temporary and it does not help anyone to wallow in the past. This is what these women have taught me today and I will never forget my experience looking at these women and girls and hearing just a little bit of their suffering, my heart silently breaking. Their testimonies and joy are remarkable to me, I know a great work is being done here.
We visited two womens centers for Heal Africa today, we also saw Healing Arts which is were the women can sell what they have been taught to make as in clothes, handbags, jewlery, placemats, wallets and many other things. The women get to save some of the money to take when they leave and the rest of the profit is reinvested back to help more women.We also had an evening bible study at ARCHE- Camille and Esther's church. Michael delivered a sermon tonight and will do it again tomorrow night. Please continue to pray for us and to pray for Goma and pray for Camille and Esther, God's hand is on this place. I feel so blessed to be a witness to what God is doing here.
This is Jennifer typing this time. We are experiencing God's favor here in Goma. When google searching Goma nobody ever shares the fact that is so beautiful here, pictures just do not do it justice. It does not seem right that a very short distance from here such human autrocities occur. Today we visited Heal Africa an organization that is trying to combat sexual violence. Heal Africa takes in survivors of sexual violence, they make medical care possible for them in order to restore their physical bodies, they house the women, teach them a trade so they can provide for themselves and their families. They also feed their spirits by witnessing to the women in order to instill in them that they are not worthless, violence should not be accepted and they matter and are loved by God. What moved me to almost to tears is you would think that these places we went would be a place of sadness or depression but it is just the opposite, these women sang to us when we arrived. We danced rejoiced and I was asked to pray for the women. I was honored to be in the presence of these strong women. Only God could work like this, there is no other explanation. To have joy in the midst of hurting, to be open when you have been violated in the worst way possible, to continue to praise God knowing that all this around you is only temporary and it does not help anyone to wallow in the past. This is what these women have taught me today and I will never forget my experience looking at these women and girls and hearing just a little bit of their suffering, my heart silently breaking. Their testimonies and joy are remarkable to me, I know a great work is being done here.
We visited two womens centers for Heal Africa today, we also saw Healing Arts which is were the women can sell what they have been taught to make as in clothes, handbags, jewlery, placemats, wallets and many other things. The women get to save some of the money to take when they leave and the rest of the profit is reinvested back to help more women.We also had an evening bible study at ARCHE- Camille and Esther's church. Michael delivered a sermon tonight and will do it again tomorrow night. Please continue to pray for us and to pray for Goma and pray for Camille and Esther, God's hand is on this place. I feel so blessed to be a witness to what God is doing here.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Arrived in Goma
After 40+ hours of travel, we safely made it to Goma. We are all exhausted, but that will be fixed with a shower and some sleep. Layovers are brutal, and it does not matter if it's in a big airport or small.
When we arrived in Kigali, we were eventually met by Jonatal who had rented a minivan to get us, our 6 packbacks and 12 suitcases to Goma. The minivan was full and the seats were the not the most in comfort. The drive took 3.5 hours to get from Kigali to the border of Rwanda and the DRC. The drive was slowed by road construction and our hired driver getting a speeding ticket. After getting the ticket, I think he actually drove faster. Gettng out of the van was fantastic as all of leggs, backs and back sides were done.
The border crossing went very smooth with out a single bag being opened for inspection. It was strange walking with our bags accross the border in the dark. We were met by Camille and Esther who needed 2 SUVS to get all of us and our stuff to their house. It was great to finally be somewhere. We had a nice meal and got a chance to talk a little about what the next couple weeks are going to look like. They are very happy that we are here an I know that we are in the will of God being here in Goma.
Everyone is showering up, get rid of 40 hours of funk!
Tomorrow we will be at Heal Africa and then at ARCHE church for Mid week bible study. (I found out I am teaching)
Much more to come.
Michael.
When we arrived in Kigali, we were eventually met by Jonatal who had rented a minivan to get us, our 6 packbacks and 12 suitcases to Goma. The minivan was full and the seats were the not the most in comfort. The drive took 3.5 hours to get from Kigali to the border of Rwanda and the DRC. The drive was slowed by road construction and our hired driver getting a speeding ticket. After getting the ticket, I think he actually drove faster. Gettng out of the van was fantastic as all of leggs, backs and back sides were done.
The border crossing went very smooth with out a single bag being opened for inspection. It was strange walking with our bags accross the border in the dark. We were met by Camille and Esther who needed 2 SUVS to get all of us and our stuff to their house. It was great to finally be somewhere. We had a nice meal and got a chance to talk a little about what the next couple weeks are going to look like. They are very happy that we are here an I know that we are in the will of God being here in Goma.
Everyone is showering up, get rid of 40 hours of funk!
Tomorrow we will be at Heal Africa and then at ARCHE church for Mid week bible study. (I found out I am teaching)
Much more to come.
Michael.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Amsterdam
A very uneventful flight has gotten us safely to Amsterdam. With an 8 hour layover, we left the airport and saw some sights. Amsterdam has an extensive canal system that reminded me of Venice (what I have seen in The Italian Job). We saw Anne Franks house but did not have time for the tour. The city is very green with rain frequent, but today the weather is fantastic. Probably mid 60's with some breezes.
We are resting in some really comfortable chairs and are about to get to our gate for the next flight. Keep praying for us and we will do our best to keep this blog updated.
Grace and Peace,
Michael.
We are resting in some really comfortable chairs and are about to get to our gate for the next flight. Keep praying for us and we will do our best to keep this blog updated.
Grace and Peace,
Michael.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Next stop Goma
Well we are at it again.
In few short hours, six of us will be leaving for the Democratic Republic of Congo going to the city of Goma. Goma is in the east and borders with Rwanda. It is a region that is ravaged by violence that affects everyone. We will be partnering with Camille & Esther Ntoto of Light f Africa Network, who are wonderful people of God.
I ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel and for favor as we go do the work of Jesus. We will be updating this blog as much as possible so keep checking back. You can also read about prior trips in the archives of this blog.
Grace and Peace.
Michael.
In few short hours, six of us will be leaving for the Democratic Republic of Congo going to the city of Goma. Goma is in the east and borders with Rwanda. It is a region that is ravaged by violence that affects everyone. We will be partnering with Camille & Esther Ntoto of Light f Africa Network, who are wonderful people of God.
I ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel and for favor as we go do the work of Jesus. We will be updating this blog as much as possible so keep checking back. You can also read about prior trips in the archives of this blog.
Grace and Peace.
Michael.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ya Man
I went to The Salvation Army's school for the blind this morning. It is a sprawling campus covering almost 8 acres. Ages of the students range from 3 to 20 and they live at the school 10 months a year. The school is in excellent shape a teams from Canada have come regularly and have fixed the school up. I was amazed to see the students running around and running around me as if they could see me. They were preparing the field for sports day next week. They will have running races using rope to guide as well as playing cricket. The cricket ball makes a sound and they play by hearing, amazing. The school is the only school for the blind in the Caribbean, so there are students from many countries.
After the school for the blind, I went to the ARC. Yes they have an ARC here. There program has 8 men in it and can have a maximum of 12. A couple from Australia came about a year ago to get the ARC financially and programmly on track. He went to Miami and spent time at the ARC learning there system so to make the ARC in Kingston viable. He is working hard to open 5 to 7 more thrift stores on the island in the next year. He believes he can make the ARC profitable at the same time infusing capital in to other Salvation Army ministries. On the program side, an officer was brought in how has counseling experience who has made a tangible difference in the success of the men in the program. I would like to come back in a year and see how the ARC has changed.
I was taken around today by Captain Jonah, who is from the Dominican Republic. He is awaiting his work permit for St. Martins where he will be in charge of a corps. Being from the Dominican, we talked baseball and he asked me if I knew who Vladamir Guerrero was. Oh yea! We talked about the Angels and Nates and Davina's baseball teams.
Good day. Right now I am being updated about Nate and Davina's baseball games happening back home. I am stressed sitting here waiting for updates. I new a web cam at the park.
Grace and Peace,
Michael.
After the school for the blind, I went to the ARC. Yes they have an ARC here. There program has 8 men in it and can have a maximum of 12. A couple from Australia came about a year ago to get the ARC financially and programmly on track. He went to Miami and spent time at the ARC learning there system so to make the ARC in Kingston viable. He is working hard to open 5 to 7 more thrift stores on the island in the next year. He believes he can make the ARC profitable at the same time infusing capital in to other Salvation Army ministries. On the program side, an officer was brought in how has counseling experience who has made a tangible difference in the success of the men in the program. I would like to come back in a year and see how the ARC has changed.
I was taken around today by Captain Jonah, who is from the Dominican Republic. He is awaiting his work permit for St. Martins where he will be in charge of a corps. Being from the Dominican, we talked baseball and he asked me if I knew who Vladamir Guerrero was. Oh yea! We talked about the Angels and Nates and Davina's baseball teams.
Good day. Right now I am being updated about Nate and Davina's baseball games happening back home. I am stressed sitting here waiting for updates. I new a web cam at the park.
Grace and Peace,
Michael.
Jamaica
Well I am on a new adventure to a part of the world I have never been. I am currently sitting in the home of the Castor's who are the leaders of The Salvation Army for the Caribbean. They were previously the second in charge for the DRC and where transferred here in the fall of last year. I am researching opportunities for a mission trip this summer to Kingston Jamaica partnering my church with our mother church in Tustin Ranch.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour three different ministries: two corps (churches)Rae Town & Allman Town and our training school for officers (pastors). The corps are in the heart of Kingston and the area was described as the ghetto by the corps officers (pastors). I agree. A very poor area with many, many need. Both corp operate a preschools that are in need of funding. They have space for more children but cannot afford more teachers so many children get turned away. There is a big literacy problem, so there is an effort to teach children how to read. The buildings are in decent shape and the Corps in Rae Town was in process of some fix ups. The work is being performed and paid for by people of the church. The corps officers have great hearts and big vision for their churches and need some partnering in order to make it happen.
I also visited the Training College when men and women spend two years being trained to become Salvation Army Officers (Pastors). The training principal and his wife are Canadians who only arrived here last year. The school was a disaster when they arrived, and with help from a large team from Canada the school was significantly fixed up. Turns out the training principal and his wife were the corps officers of my grandparents in Parie Sound, Ontario Canada. They new my uncle and my dad...small world. The Training School is in need of some IT help to aid in the education of the cadets (students).
I spent the evening visiting with the Castor's talking about church and politics.
I have taken only a few pictures thus far, but I do not have a way to down load them. I will do that when I get home.
Until later, Grace & Peace.
Michael.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour three different ministries: two corps (churches)Rae Town & Allman Town and our training school for officers (pastors). The corps are in the heart of Kingston and the area was described as the ghetto by the corps officers (pastors). I agree. A very poor area with many, many need. Both corp operate a preschools that are in need of funding. They have space for more children but cannot afford more teachers so many children get turned away. There is a big literacy problem, so there is an effort to teach children how to read. The buildings are in decent shape and the Corps in Rae Town was in process of some fix ups. The work is being performed and paid for by people of the church. The corps officers have great hearts and big vision for their churches and need some partnering in order to make it happen.
I also visited the Training College when men and women spend two years being trained to become Salvation Army Officers (Pastors). The training principal and his wife are Canadians who only arrived here last year. The school was a disaster when they arrived, and with help from a large team from Canada the school was significantly fixed up. Turns out the training principal and his wife were the corps officers of my grandparents in Parie Sound, Ontario Canada. They new my uncle and my dad...small world. The Training School is in need of some IT help to aid in the education of the cadets (students).
I spent the evening visiting with the Castor's talking about church and politics.
I have taken only a few pictures thus far, but I do not have a way to down load them. I will do that when I get home.
Until later, Grace & Peace.
Michael.
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